Leeds United were knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend against Chelsea at Wembley. They are back in action as they play Burnley at Elland Road.
Their loss at Wembley cost them more than a place in the final; they also lost Gabriel Gudmundsson to an injury that could see him miss the next two days. Daniel Farke confirmed this midweek: ”Hamstring injury, it’s a bit of a serious injury. He’ll definitely miss Friday and probably the Tottenham game, then we’ll have to see. We try to bring him back as quick as possible, I hope he can feature in one of the final two games.”
Noah Okafor also picked up a knock as he was hit on his calf; he is currently a doubt for this Friday. Jaka Bijol also has a problem with his hip flexors and is a doubt for this weekend.
Daniel Farke must get selection right after injury issues
There is still time between now and the game on Friday night; Okafor and Bijol could be available for the game. But if the attacker is not, Daniel Farke has to make the right choice when it comes to team selection. Lukas Nmecha has to be the one who starts in place of the Swiss international.
And Farke must not make the mistake of playing Nmecha out wide like he does with Okafor. He needs to move to play two striker up top, with three in midfield. The lack of bodies in the middle of the park was exploited by Chelsea and Calum McFarlane last weekend in the FA Cup. A return to the 3-5-2 could unlock the attacking prowess the team needs to win on Friday night.
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Lukas Nmecha has been underused this season
One would think with the team’s struggles up top this season, Nmecha would have played more. He starred in late November when Calvert-Lewin missed a few games and made an impact. And he is a great fit in the team in the new system under Farke. The Leeds boss discovered this shape against Manchester City as he threw on Nmecha, and the German and Calvert-Lewin caused havoc and nearly got a result. They played together a few times after and Farke just dropped that partnership in the lineup. With a game like Burnley on Friday, Leeds need a win and should play attacking football if they want to get a win.
